"Sowing More Discord" - Some Thoughts from the "Protestants"

The letter from our Metropolitan was delivered by fax on October 12 and will ultimately be distributed at both churches on October 21, in addition to being included in the November issue of the Messenger. In spite of the accusation that the "spirit of Protestantism" has infiltrated our community, the Metropolitan bases his assessment yet again on misinformation.

The phone calls the Metropolitan refers to were made only after the parishioners in question spoke with both assigned clergy. The then proistameno (the now-proistameno SOLELY of Prophet Elias) knew that the Metropolitan would be called and tacitly gave his approval. Therefore, the authority of then-proistameno of the entire Greek Orthodox community of Salt Lake city (the now-proistemeno SOLELY of Prophet Elias) was in no way usurped. If he claims otherwise, he is not telling the truth.

For the record, the Metropolitan did not speak with those who are mentioned in his recent letter. He only received voice messages. Instead of speaking only to the now-proistameno of Prophet Elias and perhaps LISTENING to a VARIETY of members from his flock, rather than pontificating blindly, he would finally come to see the full picture. On second thought, why would we want to know all the details from all parties involved when knowing only half the details better serves our agenda?

What is happening in this community is reprehensible on many levels. We have ourselves to blame for allowing the lies and deception to continue. The now-proistameno SOLELY of Prophet Elias said at the last parish council meeting that "we (the community) have become a laughingstock throughout the country." We would only ask, "under whose command have we become a laughingstock?"